A/N This idea had been floating about in my head for awhile. Finally got around to scribbling a few words down on paper between editing my HP/WoT crossover. Ok, not scribbling on paper, but you get the idea. So without any more discussion, here is my short Galad/Berelain fic. Hope you enjoy.
-edit- I have changed the last bit of the chapter. I agree with the comments that what I wrote was not something that would have happened.
Galad sat within the safe confines of his tent. His back straight, eyes forward. The white cloak, a symbol of what he was, lay across the back of a chair. The grey morning air filtered through tiny holes in the material. The air was cool, but he did not dress. His mind too occupied to consider the cold.
A soft hand reached out, stroking his back. "Come back to bed," a gentle voice, which belonged to the hand, called to him. He turned, smiling down at the woman sharing his bed. Berelain, the First of Mayene. Her warm inviting eyes drew him in. Slowly, he lay back down to join her. His powerful arms encircled her frail body, drawing her in closer. Her pale skin felt warm against his icy body.
A tender hand moved towards her forehead, removing a stray hair that clung to her face, which was hiding her perfect features from him. "Do you fear the outcome of the coming meeting with the Dragon Reborn?" Galad asked. The question needed to be asked.
She appeared vulnerable. She displayed a side of herself to him, a side he had yet to see in public. In his bed, away from the world, she showed him the young girl she still was. "I fear for Mayene, I..." she looked up at him. Her face flushed in guilt, or embarrassment. Galad could not tell which.
He could feel her reluctance to answer. He knew the reasons. Berelain, cared for her country. She would do what was right for her people before she would look after herself. He smiled, even though inside his heart screamed in agony. "You fear an alliance with me... the Whitecloaks would place Mayene in danger."
She looked away, unable to face his him. Even in the dim light, he could see the faint reflection of tears rolling down her cheeks. "Galad... you know I..." her breath caught. Her body jerked slightly.
He rolled onto his side and pulled her back against him. "I love you too," he whispered, placing a kiss on her bare shoulder. The words he needed to say hurt. "But we must do what is best for your people."
She rolled over to face him again. Her beautiful eyes glistened with tears. "I love you as well, Galad Damodred." His lips touched hers. With time the kiss deepened. Through it all, he wondered at how much pain honest words of love could inflict.
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Later that morning Galad and Berelain walked hand-in-hand through the forest outside Caemlyn They had been outside for hours already and still the sun had not risen far.
"How much longer will we have together?" she asked, wrapping herself around his arm.
"A day, maybe two," Galad sighed. He did not want to leave her, but a country as small as Mayene could not afford to be allied with a group such as the Whitecloaks.
"I would wish time to stand still. So we could spend it together." She let go, just enough to allow them to continue walking.
They had snuck away from the camp, leaving behind a very confused and by now angry group of Mayene soldiers. The letter she sent her commander would at least tell him she had not been taken.
"Light, why could I not be a normal woman? Could I not be some ordinary girl for you to sweep up in your arms?" She moaned. "Galad!" She yelped as Galad's arms swooped her off her feet and into his arms.
This close he could clearly smell the faint traces of her perfume. Her large eyes looked up into his, almost pleading. "I wish it were so. I wish I had not been a prince. I wish I did not wear this cloak. But the Wheel..."
"Shush," she whispered, placing a finger onto his lips to silence him. Her eyes sparkled. "We are out in the woods, alone. For now let us by just Berelain and just Galad."
"Yes," he whispered. "For now let's forget."
"Galad," her voice was low and seductive. A breath later, he was kissing her again. Yes, out here, they could leave the world behind and be the two people they were at heart.
A short walk later, they arrived at an open meadow, both still flushed. A blanket and a basket lay waiting for them. Once seated, Galad unpacked the contents. It was not much, some wine, cheese and bread. The simplicity, however, made the experience seem more real.
"Have you met the Dragon Reborn?" Berelain asked after taking a small sip of wine. The cheese and bread lay half-eaten to the side. "But I can't see when." She muttered as an after thought
The question took him slightly by surprise, but it was not unexpected. "I met him once, actually."
Her head snapped round in surprise. "Really?"
Galad laughed, but gave a nod. "There I was walking in the palace gardens, minding my own business, when I saw Elayne and Gawyn speaking to a stranger. I knew the man to be an intruder, especially after I confronted them. Concerned about their safety I hurried to call the palace guards." He chuckled. "If only we had known who he really was then."
"Oh," she was the only reply she made.
Galad took hold of her hand. "I am sure he holds no grudges against me for what I did." A faint smile graced her face and she leaned back against him.
"He reminds me of you," she said softly.
"In what way?" Galad asked stroking a hand through her long hair.
"I am not sure. There is something about the two of you that is similar," she replied. He did not question her further.
Silence fell over the two, a comfortable silence. Even the breeze fell still.
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"Galad, we're travelling to the Fields of Merrilor today. Get your men ready," Perrin told Galad, when he returned to the camp.
Galad's heart sank, but he rallied himself. "As you command," he replied. The orders meant parting from Berelain. He did not like it, but he had sworn allegiance to Perrin. The large blacksmith nodded, before walking away.
Light, he wished he had not become a Whitecloak. He would have been on much better terms with the Dragon Reborn and the White Tower. With the strength of the Whitecloaks severely diminished by the battle a few days ago and their already despised image, he would be one of the least influential people at the meeting of leaders. His added service to Perrin only furthered his demise.
If the world were different, and he had found Berelain sooner, they would have been able to spend a lifetime together. Now all he had with her was stolen moments and evenings together. This close to Caemlyn, a place where news spread rapidly downriver, it was best he not spend time with her. Mayene would suffer, and they had to do what was right for Berelain's people.
"Child Bornhald," Galad called to a neatly dressed Whitecloak standing near his tent.
"Yes, Lord Captain," the man replied, straightening even more.
"Have the men dissemble camp. We leave before nightfall."
"Yes," the man nodded turning to leave. He stopped halfway. "Why?" he asked.
"We leave for the Fields of Merrilor where we are to meet with other leaders and the Dragon Reborn," Galad answered calmly. Bornhald frowned, and Galad could sense the man's unease. "The Light shall protect us, Child Bornhald."
"Of course," the Whitecloak replied hesitantly. "I would rather be as far from those witches as can be."
Galad's face remained impassive. His sister was an Aes Sedai or so she told the world. But that was from her mother's side. He at least had none of that blood running through him. "We need to work with them. Even if they make us uncomfortable."
The man fidgeted, but finally gave a curt nod. Staring at his retreating back, Galad felt himself growing uneasy with the men around him. When he first joined the Whitecloaks they appeared to be a bastion of Light in the world. Now, being in command, he realised how far the Children had fallen. As much as it hurt, he knew now the people's impressions of the Whitecloaks were not wrong. Between overzealous Children and Questioners the amount of innocent people condemned would never be known. Galad had the uneasy feeling the number of innocent men and woman killed by Children were far more than those who were guilty.
Perrrin was a prime example. Yes, the man had killed a few Children, but in defence. Others like Bornhold would deny the facts, but Galad saw clearly. Perrin was no darkfriend, even if those eyes of him still haunted Galad.
Galad made his way steadily through the camp. Far in the distance he could make out the figure of Berelain as she approached her own tent. Light he missed her. If the means were available he would...
"Galad," Perrin said suddenly from behind.
"Yes, Perrin," Galad replied turning quickly on his heels. His cloak lifted from the force, and his right hand moved rapidly settling comfortably on the hilt of his sword. The movement was quick and sharp. Perrin's eyes widened a fraction, before he laughed.
"Easy there," the blacksmith replied lifting his hands in the air. "You remind of Rand. Your movements always too graceful."
Galad frowned. Twice in one day he had been compared to the Dragon Reborn. "Pardon me," Galad replied, letting his hand drop from where it lay on his Heron Marked blade.
"Galad, I would like you to be with me when we meet Rand," Perrin began. "It would be good for the Whitecloaks to be seen among friends and not as a group apart."
Galad remained silent. The Whitecloaks needed to improve their image to the world at large. "I see... yes, it would be for the best. Thank you Perrin."
"Just see that your men behave themselves," Perrin said pointing at the large body of men behind Galad. Turning to face them, Galad watched as the organised men in white cleared the camp, a process that took less than an hour.
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The inside of Galad's tent was cold. The evenings chilled rapidly these days. The food at least did not spoil anymore. The fact that it coincided with meeting up with Perrin did not go unnoticed. Despite the growing coldness, Galad felt warm. Berelain lay sleeping in his arms. Her soft rhythmic breaths warmed then chilled his skin where it touched him.
This was their last night together. When the sun rose, she would be the First of Mayene and he the Lord Captain Commander. They would be separated. His chest began to feel heavy. Losing her was almost the worst possible fate he could imagine. Unconsciously his arm gripped her tighter.
"Galad," she mumbled sleepily, awoken by the sudden force.
His gaze lowered. "I... I cannot lose you," he said suddenly. His voice filled with a strange conviction.
She sat up straighter. No doubt the tone of his voice made her realise something was wrong. Her soft hand rested on his shoulder the other on his exposed chest. "What is it Galad."
He held her eyes with his own. "Berelain, will you marry me."
"Yes," she said before she could catch herself. "But..." she frowned. "Yes... Yes!" she said more loudly. "Mayene can survive," she lowered her voice. "I will talk with the Dragon Reborn. He will help me."
Galad felt like shouting for joy. Instead, he lifted her from where she lay and brought her face up to his. "I love you. Light I love you."
Tears lined her cheeks. This time they were tears of joy, not sorrow.
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Before the sun had risen, Berelain slipped out from under the covers where she had spent the night with Galad. Dressing quickly she ducked out of the tent. The morning air helped to clear her mind. With each stride she took her mind screamed at her. What had she agreed to? Yet inside she felt the warmth of Galad's eyes when he looked at her.
Two of her guards emerged out from the shadows where they had watched over her. She paid them little head. Before long she was inside her own camp. Once within her tent she found her dress for the coming day already laid out. Her maid would arrive soon enough to help her dress. The First had to look her best today.
She sat in the chair, which stood to the one corner. She felt giddy. She was engaged! Her mind spun trying to comprehend the decision she had made. She began to laugh, a true laugh. For the first time in years she had done something for Berelain, not Mayene. And honestly, she felt good. A weight dropped from her shoulders.
The laughter died down. Mayene. Could she do this to her country, her people. The marriage was not a death sentence, but it brought the headsman's axe a lot closer. Tear and Cairhen would try to pounce on her allegiance with the Whitetower. A lot hung in the balance. The most precarious was Galad's relationship with his half-sister Elayne. Rumour has it Elayne is not too fond of Galad. Would Elayne move against Galad in the near future. Berelain shook her head. No, for the moment, Mayene would be safe from Andor and Cairhen.
Tear, the old foe of Mayene was the city to watch. Things were highly unstable there – politically. She let out a long breath she had been holding. Galad was not the best man for her politically. But, she took a deep breath, she loved him.
She began to sob. Her face fell into her upturned palms. Why could things not be simple? Why could the man she loved not be some political giant?
And so she spent the few hours before sunrise. With the first rays of sunlight shining through a small partition in tent she made up her mind. She would go see the Dragon Reborn. For what, she did not know, but she knew she had to speak with him.
Getting to her feet she called her maid. She would need to see the Dragon Reborn today.
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A large body of soldiers followed Berelain as she hurried as gracefully as queenly possible towards the tent of the Dragon Reborn. She still had not decided what to say, or even what Rand could do for her.
Reaching the tent she waited for the Aiel guards to announce her. It took only a few moments before the woman ushered her into the tent.
The harsh sunlight outside made the interior of the tent appear dark. "My Lord Dragon," she greeted differentially with a deep cursty. She could barely make out his shape.
"My Lady," he greeted with a bow in return. "What brings you here?"
His voice! He sounded so different, so old. "I..." she hesitated.
"Please, have a seat," he gestured for her to sit at a seat opposite the one where he stood.
"Ah... thank you my Lord," she said hurriedly. Taking him up on his offer she seated herself. He waited for her to be seated before he sat down himself. So, the boy had learned much since she last saw him.
Only then did she allow herself to look at him. She froze, his grey eyes held years in them. Years a man so young should not have. He looked patient, even though she knew him to be busy.
"Would you like something to drink?" he asked. She declined, but appreciated the thoughtfulness. Rand was trying hard to make her comfortable. "Is this about what happened between us in Tear?"
"No!" she squeaked out. "No," she said more calmly. "This is... I am not sure how to begin this." He leaned back and waited. Min was scurrying about behind him, but Berelain ignored the woman.
"I," she blushed and Rand smiled. "I engaged to be married to the Lord Captain Commander of the Whitecloaks," she said hurriedly.
"Oh," Rand said leaning forward, interested. "I see." He said after a moment. "Such an alliance with them might not be beneficial for Mayene."
Berelain nodded slowly. "I have, yet, to meet the Lord Captain Commander."
"You've met Galad," she interjected quickly. She bit her lip, ashamed of her outburst.
"Galad!" Rand said loudly. Somewhere in the distance a trumpet sounded.
Fear filled her. The reaction to the name was stronger than she expected. "He is a good man," she defended finding her voice. Then Rand began to chuckle.
"Sorry," he said calmly and she felt herself relax under his soft gaze. "I did not mean to startle you. It's just. I knew him to be a Whitecloak, but not the Lord Captain Commander." She watched him frown. No doubt, he was wondering why no one had informed him.
Her breath caught. The light shone on his face just so and for an instant she could have sworn Galad was seated there instead of Rand. "Is something the matter?" Rand asked.
"No." She paused. Then she spoke without knowing why, the words just left her mouth. "You remind me of Galad. For an instant I almost thought it was him sitting there."
From behind Rand, Berelain noticed Min stopping moving. Her attention fully on the discussion.
Rand gave a thoughtful nod. "Yes, I can see why there might be a resemblance. Though you are only the second person to point it out."
"Someone else told you that you look like Galad?" Min asked from behind. The bundle in her arms dropped onto the bed.
Rand shook his head. "No," he laughed. "Dyelin once told me that I have a remarkable resemblance to Tigraine."
"I have heard people say Galad look likes his mother," Berelain said. She looked at Rand thoughtfully. "There is more to the tale than that."
He waved her off with a laugh. "This all beside the point." Berelain found herself staring into his penetrating gray eyes. "I will protect both you and Galad." She raised an eyebrow in question to his aid. Rand sighed, shaking his head. For a short moment he seemed unsure of how to continue. "I... I ower Galad this," he said finally. "It is the least I can do for all the pain I have caused him."
Berelain sat back. Apart from being the Dragon Reborn she was not sure what he could possibly have done to cause Galad pain. Then again the man before her was a mystery.
"Trust me," he said again. "I will not let Mayenne be controlled by her neighbours."
The finality in his voice made her believe. "Thank you, my Lord Dragon."
He stood and held his hand out to help her to her feet. "I think..." His words interrupted as a maiden entered the tent.
"There seems to be trouble with the Aes Sedai and the Whitecloaks." The tall Aiel woman said quickly.
"What kind of trouble?" Rand asked wearily. Like Berelain, it appeared as if trouble between the various groups was the last thing he wanted today of all days.
"They have taken the Lord Captain Commander," the woman replied.
Without making a reply, Rand exited the tent. His jaw was set and Berelain could barely keep up with him. What she saw nearly made her heart stop.
"Bloody hell!" Rand fumed. "What is Egwene thinking!"
A/N Thanks for the comments so far. As I stated above, I changed the ending to this chapter. Hopefully it is a bit more believable than Rand telling her Galad is his brother.